The practical driving test will take about 35-45minutes, which will include the de-brief afterwards. The test routes will consist of mainly town driving and where possible some dual carriageways.

This is done so the examiner can assess your ability at various speeds and different traffic situations.

You must achieve no more than 15 driver faults or any SERIOUS or DANGEROUS faults to pass the test.

At the test centre you will wait in the waiting room until the examiner calls your name, when he/she does so, you will need to give them the following documents
So have them ready.

1. Provisional driving licence, both parts. (Which must be signed)
2. Your valid theory test pass certificate. If you don’t have a photo-card driving licence then you will need to show the examiner an acceptable form of identification which includes your photograph and signature,
Example: Passport, Work/Student Card.

After checking these you will be asked to sign a declaration, confirming that your test vehicle is adequately insured.

You will then be asked to lead the way to your Vehicle.
On the way to your car the examiner will test your eyesight by asking you to read a vehicle number plate from a distance of 67ft or 20.5metres.

If unsatisfactory the test will be abandoned and recorded as a fail. So get your eyesight tested NOW!

If satisfactory the examiner will ask you to show them the way to your vehicle then ask you a couple of vehicle operation and maintenance questions called Show me/Tell me

From the 1st September 2003 the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) will be introducing the Show Me Tell Me element to the practical driving test, this will consist of 2 questions which all test candidates will be required to answer.

The questions will concern the operation and the maintenance of your vehicle.

The first question (show) will need a physical or demonstrative answer, the second question (tell) an explanatory or verbal answer.

An incorrect answer to either question will be marked as a driver fault therefore gaining a possible 2 faults at this stage of the driving test.

It is advisable to visit our training workshop, so you can gain the skills needed to pass this part of the driving test.

After answering these 2 questions the examiner will ask you to get in the car and make yourself comfortable.

While you do this he/she will take note of your car details, checking its tyres, lights, index number plate and that it possesses a current tax disc.

When you are both settled in the car, the examiner will give a brief explanation to you on how the test will be conducted, then ask you to start the engine and drive away when you are ready.

On the driving test, we advise you to listen carefully to the instructions and directions the examiner gives you, whilst paying special attention to the road ahead at all times,
Taking into account all the traffic signs, road markings and potential hazards.

You will drive for about 35-40 minutes with a minimum of 3 stops and a maximum of 6 stops along the way.

Some of these stops may involve carrying out 2 slow maneouvres, hill start, position for normal stops and maybe an emergency stop.

Your instructor will make sure you are familiar with the ancillary controls in your vehicle
E.g. heater, wipers, headlights etc…

The current cost of a practical test is £48.50.

Driving Standards Agency (DSA) chief Driving Examiner states “
Most people fail the practical test each year compared to those who are successful – the main cause is inexperience: preparation is the key to success”.

DSA research shows that on average, people who take about 40 hours professional tuition along with plenty of private practise stand the best chance of passing. Because of many common pitfalls, the DSA states that it is unlikely anyone other than an
Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) would have the training knowledge and experience to teach test candidates properly, as an ADI will be able to assess accurately what level you are at on the official syllabus.
Below you will find the DSA’s top 10 reasons taken from the 12 months leading up to January 2004 why candidates fail the Driving Test.

The top ten reasons for failing the practical test are.

1. Observation at junctions - Ineffective observation and judgement.

2. Reverse parking - Ineffective observation or lack of accuracy.

3. Use of mirrors - Not looking or acting on what was seen.

4. Reversing around a corner - Ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy.

5. Incorrect use of signals - Giving misleading signals or not cancelling them.

6. Incorrect positioning before turning right - Junctions & one-way streets.

7. Steering control – Steering too early or too late.

8. Inappropriate speed – Driving to slowly or being hesitant.

9. Moving away safely – Ineffective observation.

10. Incorrect positioning on the road – At roundabouts & bends.

Book your practical test on-line at www.dsa.gov.uk or by telephoning the Driving Standards Agency booking line on 0870 0101 372

Cars:

All Class Driving Academy use modern, Manual Gear boxed Air-conditioned Vauxhall Corsa’s for giving tuition.
Not only are they easy to drive, but are often purchased by pupils once thy pass their driving tests.

Automatics:

We have a dedicated Instructor who specialises in giving Automatic tuition.

Driving tips: www.2pass.co.uk